JAM?-6VJ/.-: 


«|>V       W  d«ft>  ^    1^    lie*  W  d'1 


7^' 


PLEASURES  AND  ADVANTAGES   OF  KNOWLEDGE. 

AND     THE 

NECESSITY  OF  MORAL,  AS  WELL  AS  MENTAL  CULTIVATION 

TO 

INDIVIDUAL  EXCELLENCE  AND  NATIONAL  PROSPERITY; 

BEFORE    THE    LITERARY    SOCIE'TIES 

GF    THE 
.     AUGUST   3d,    18S7, 

O  F 

SOUTH  C  A  R  0  L  I  N  A  , 

A 

.MEMBER    OF 
THE 

PHI  KAPPA  SOCIETY. 


F  E  I  ^•  T  L  D    AT    TKZ    OTTICZ    OV    THE    S  O  V  X  i"  I  Ti  ^•■    W  E  I  G , 

1837. 


Phi-Kappa  Hall,  Aug.  3d,  1837. 

On  motion  of  William  L.  Mitchell,  Esq. 

Eesohed,  That  the  cordial  thanks  of  this  Society,  be  expressed  to  the  Hon.  Henry  L.  Pinck- 
ney,  for  the  able,  eloquent  and  interesting  address  just  delivered ;  and  that  a  Committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  request  a  copy  of  that  address  for  publication  in  Pamphlet  form. 

Resolved,  That  2000  Copies  of  the  address  be  published  at  the  expense  of  the  Society. 

Phi-Kappa  Hall,  Aug.  3d,  1837. 
Sir: 

In  pursuance  of  the  former  of  the  foregoing:  resolutions,  the  undersigned  Committee  of 
the  Phi-Kappa  Society,  tender  to  you,  the  cordial  thanks  of  that  Body  for  your  "  able,  eloquent, 
and  interesting  address"  so  well  suited  to  us  and  to  the  times,  dehvered  this  day  in  the  College 
Chapel,  before  the  Demoslhenian  and  Phi-Kappa  Societies.  The  Society,  in  requesting  the 
same  for  publication  testifies  her  sense  at  once,  of  the  merit  of  the  production  and  of  the  worth 
of  its  author.  The  Committee  in  discharging  their  duty,  cannot  but  echo  back  in  the  name  of 
the  Society,  those  kindly  feelings  expressed  in  your  Oration  towards  our  Associations  as  res- 
pects the  temporal  and  immortal  interests  of  their  members. 
Very  respectfully  yours, 

B.  M.  PALMER, 


Hon.  Henry  L.  Pinckney. 


M.  E.  BACON,  \   Comwitiee. 

W.  R.  GIGNILLIAT, 


Athens,  Geo.  August  4th,  1837. 


Gentlemen — 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  communication,  inclosing  a  Resolution  of 
the  Phi-Kappa  Societjs  by  which  lam  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  of  the  Oration,  delivered  be- 
fore the  Literary  Societies  of  the  Universiiy  of  Georgia  yesterday,  for  pubhcation.  In  compli- 
ance with  the  desire  of  the  Society,  the  Oration  is  herewith  sent,  and  p!aced  at  its  disposal ; 
and  I  beg  you  to  make  my  grateful  acknowledgements  to  that  Body,  for  the  kindness  they  have 
shown  me,  and  the  honors  they  have  been  pleased  to  corfen  upon  me,  and  to  ficcept  for  your- 
selves my  thanks  for  the  verv  flattering  manner  in  which  you  have  communicated  the  wish  of 
the  Society,  and  the  assurance  of  the  respect,  friendship,  and  esteem  with  which 
I  am.  Gentlemen,  yours  truly, 

H.  L.  PINCKNEY. 
To  Messrs.  B.  M.  Palmek, 
M.  E.  Bacon, 

W.   R.   GiGNILLIANT. 


©mi^'S'ir©3¥. 


Ge:?tlemex  of  the  Demosthemian  and  Phi  Kappa  Societies  : 

The  occasion,  upon  which  we  are  assembled,  is  bv  no 
means  one  of  idle  curiosily  or  amusemei't.  Il  wasdesigned  forafar  more  ration- 
al and  exalted  object,  than  to  please  the  eye,  or  gratify  the  ear,  by  a  vain  •xhibitioa 
oftUt  rhetoricrU  skill.  It  was  instituted  to  impart  instruction  to  the  youth  attach, 
ed  to  this  vencrableseat  ofleanii:ig,  and  paiticularly  to  impress  upon  those,  who, 
at  each  recurrence  of  this  anniversary,  exchange  academic  for  actual  life,  such 
sentiments  and  principles  as  may  enable  them  to  navigate  successfully  the  un- 
tried and  perilous  ocean  that  lies  before  them.  To  those  of  you,  then,  who 
have  arrived  at  this  critical  and  important  period,  and  to  all  connected  with  you 
by  consanguinity  or  friendship,  this  is  a  season  of  profound  and  affecting  inter, 
est.  Standing  as  you  do,  upon  a  narrow  isihmns,  a  mere  point  of  time,  you 
will  soon  have  left  this  peaceful  and  secluded  vale,  to  assume  the  duties,  and 
mingle  in  the  conflicts  of  the  world.  And  what  are  the  prospects  that  await 
you  (here?  Will  vour  revered  preceptors  be  compensated,  for  their  faithful 
and  untiring  eff)its,  by  the  eiiviable  eminence  and  well  earned  honours  of  your 
future  course,  or  will  sad  experience  prove  that  their  fruitless  labours  have 
been  bestowed  on  sterile  ?nd ungrateful  soil?  Will  your  fond  parents  be  re. 
warded  for  their  devoted  solicitude  and  unceasing  care,  by  your  brilliant  ful, 
fiilment  in  manhood,  of  the  flattering  promises  of  youth,  or  are  they  destined  to 
mourn  the  disippoiatment  of  their  most  cherished  hopes?  These  are  problemsi 
it  is  true  which  time  alone  can  determine;  but  their  solution  notwithstanding, 
and  consequently  the  probable  complexion  of  your  whole  career,  may  be  af- 
fected measurably,  by  the  exercises  and  impressions  of  the' present  hour. 
This  reflection  has  solemnized  my  mind.  It  has  given  me  a  deep  sense  of  the 
responsibility  I  have  incurred,  by  consenting  to  occupy  this  stiTtion,  not  only  to 
you.  but  to  all  who  are  interested  in  your  welfare.  As  your  own  characters  and 
fortunes  will  be  necessarily  identified  with  your  conduct,  so  it  is  impossible  to 
estimate  the  extent  to  which  your  influence  and  example  may  operate,  for  good 
or  for  evil,  upon  the  best  interests  of  society,  and  especially  upon  the  great 
cause  of  virtue  and  religion.  It  is  all  important  therefore,  that  you  enter  upon 
life,  not  only  with  correct  conceptions  of  the  theatre  upon  which  you  will  be 
called  to  act,  but  with  all  those  principles,  engraven  on  j'our  hearts,  of  which, 
as  they  lie  at  the  foundation  of  individual  excellence  and  social  order,  the  ob. 
servance  is  equa'ly  and  indispensably  necessary  to  the  enjoyment  of  happin^s, 
or  the  acquisition  of  renown.  Under  ihesfl  circumstances,  a;id  in  view  of  the 
grave  consequences  that  may  be  connected  with  this  ceremor.y,  it  is  no  aftec 
tation  of  humility  to  say,  tliutthe  ofiicw,  so  kitidly  assigned  to  me,  would  have 
been  better  co.'ifided  to  one  more  competent  than  myself  to  ccmmunicate  the 
lights  of  knowledge,  and  the  admouitions  of  experience.     As  you  have  Galled 


rj"ie,howfc'/er,  I  appear  brforc  you  ;  sol  t«  proclaim  new  theories  in  poluics  «r 
morals,  but  to  Iny  before  you  ths  map  of  life,  and  to  point  out  the  paths,  which 
every  obligation  of  duty  will  require  you  to  pursue  ;  not  to  entertain  you  with 
ingenious  disquisitions,  O"  discursive  flights  of  fancy,  but  to  exhibit  the  dangers 
and  temptations,  the  honors  and  rewards  that  await  you  in  society,  and  to  assist 
you  ill  forming  the  plans,  and  putting  on  the  armour,  which  alone  can  qualify 
you  to  overcome  the  one,  and  to  attain  ths  other.  In  a  word,  I  come  before 
you,  not  as  a  teacher  to  instruct,  but  as  a  friend  to  counsel ;  and  as  I  clainn  no 
merit  but  sincerity,  and  aim  at  no  higher  object  than  to  manifest  my  gratitude 
by  a  humble  endcavorto  be  useful,  so  I  ask  no  other  favour  than  that  you  will 
do  me  the  justice  to  believe,  that,  however  deficient  in  novelty  or  refincmgi^  of 
thought  or  language,  this  discourse  may  prove,  it  is  dictated  by  an  earnest  de- 
sire to  benefit  those,  in  their  dangerous  paasjige  through  an  untried  world,  to 
whose  unmerited  partiality  I  am  indebted  for  the  honour  of  addressing  them. 

But,  whilst  we  are  thus  looking  to  the  future,  and  discussing  the  duties  it  ^ill 
impoBC,  and  the  pleasures  it  may  bring,  it  must  be  a  source  of  painful  emotion 
to  every  generous  mind,  that  this  celebration  has  occurred  at  a  period  of  gene- 
ral and  peculiar  gloom.  It  is  true,  no  desolating  pestilence  has  swept  away 
our  people,  nor  are  we  involved  in  the  privations  and  calamities  of  war :  but  in 
the  midst  of  uninterrupted  heailh,  ia  a  season  of  profound  peace,  and  with  all 
ournational  energies  unimpaired,  a  funeral  pall  has  overspread  the  land,  and 
the  voice  of  lamentation  is  hoard  within  our  borders.  Yes!  whilst  you  arc 
treadmg  upon  fairy  ground,  and  indulging  dreams  of  fancied  bliss,  thousands  of 
your  countrymen  arc  mourning  their  blighted  proB|<ecta,  and  their  ruined  hopes. 
Whilst  you  are  enjoying  in  imagination  the  golden  harvests  that  will  spring 
beneath  your  (eel,  or  the  laurelled  trophies  that  will  deck  your  brows,  your 
country  lies  prostrjtted,  as  by  the  blast  of  a  Simoom,  which  feas  levelled  at  a 
blov/  the  er.terpriice  of  the  ric!)  and  the  labour  of  the  poor,  involving  in  one  com- 
mon fate  ail  classes  and  conditions  of  societj'.  It  is  not  my  province,  however, 
to  examine  the  causes  of  this  sad  reverse.  That  office  pertains  more  properly 
to  the  Legiafature  of  the  Union,  and,  as  it  has  been  summoned  for  the  purpose, 
doubtless,  as  far  as  possible,  the  wound  will  bo  probed,  and  an  appropriate  rem- 
edy applied.  But,  whilst  we  hope  that  this  dark  portion  of  our  history  will 
soon  be  succeeded  by  a  brighter  day,  and  that  the  recuperative  power  of  this 
great  republic  will  enable  it,  like  the  sun  emerging  from  a  cloud,  to  overcome 
the  difFicullies  that  now  surround  it,  and  to  move  on  again  with  energy  and 
beauty  in  its  high  career,  there  is  an  important  moral  connected  with  the  prcs- 
ent  aspect  ofaflfairs,  which  cannot  be  too  deeply  pondered,  or  too  faithfully  en- 
forced,  by  every  lover  of  his  countiy.  The  very  idea  of  a  republic  presupposes 
purity  of  morals,  and  simi)!icity  of  manners.  However  luxury  and  its  con- 
comitant vice^  may  comport  with  monarchy,  history  and  experience  teach  that» 
in  a  popular  government,  they  are  syuo.'iymous  with  popular  degeneracy,  which 
invariably  terminates  in  political  enslavement.  Now  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
unfortunately,  that  the  disasters  we  have  suffered  are  mainly  attributable  to  a 
general  departure,  by  our  people,  ffon)  those  plain  habits  and  simple  virtues, 
which  coaatiluto  the  essence  of  regulated  freedom,  and  without  the  observance 


*>f  which,  howsver  we  may  retain  ihelbrms,  it  will  be  unpcsaiblo  to  preserve 
the  spirit  of  cur  republican  institutions.  I/,  therefore,  the  severe  monition 
Tvhich  this  revulsion  has  afforded,  shall  be  happily  accompanied  by  a  general 
and  permanent  return  to  republican  simplicity,  who  will  say  that  it  will  not  de- 
serve to  be  regarded,  much  lesa  as  a  national  calamit}-,  than  as  a  benevolent 
dispensation,  wisely  intended  to  arrest  our  downfall,  and  to  whose  harsh  but 
salutary  discipline,  we  should  gratefully  acknowledge  our  indcbledness  for  tho 
preservation  of  our  liberties  !  But  whilst  it  reads  this  Avholesome  lesson  to  the 
great  body  of  our  people,  it  addresses  itself  with  peculiar  emphasis,  to  the  ri- 
sing generation.  It  speaks  to  you,  my  friends,  and  to  all,  who  like  yon,  are 
standing  on  the  threshold  of  society,  and  will  soon  exercise  an  important  influ- 
ence over  the  destinies  of  your  country.  It  tells  you  that  the  satne  causes, 
■which  produced  the  pecuniary  distresses  under  which  we  labour,  have  also  in- 
flicted much  deeper  injury  upon  the  great  interests  of  religion  and  morality. 
It  tells  you  that  true  patriotism  cannot  exist,  where  Avealth  has  become  the  God 
ofpopular  idolatry.  It  tells  you  that  the  doclina  of  virtue  necessarily  /nvolves 
the  decline  of  freedom,  and  that,  whilst  thel<ss  of  property  maybe  repaired, 
there  is  no  Promethean  heat  that  can  reanimate  the  one,  or  relume  the  other. 
It  shows  you  the  dreadful  instability  of  human  grandeur,  and  the  sudden  vicis- 
situdes  to  which  all  sublunary  things  are  subject.  It  sliows  you  that  the  clear- 
est  sky  may  in  a  moment  be  overcast  with  clouds,  and  the  smoothest  sea  con- 
vulsed by  storms.  It  points  out  the  rocks,  on  which  so  muny  othsrs  have  been 
wrecked,  and  eshibita  a  beacon  by  which  you  may  be  enabled  to  avoid  them. 
What,  indeed,  can  you  expect  of  vicionary  schemes,  but  that  they  should  van- 
ish  into  air?  or  of  wanton  extravagance,  but,  that  it  should  termmate  in  penu- 
ry !  or  of  an  ocean  of  ^idvcnture,  in  which  thousands  have  embarked,  but  that 
its  shores  should  be  strewed  with  the  melancholy  monumefitd  of  presumptuous 
ambition,  and  overweening  avarice  !  Let  me,  then,  earnestly  entreat  you,  to 
listen  to  its  warning  voice  !  Let  me  urge  you,  as  you  love  your  country  and 
yourselves,  to  learn  to  moderate  your  desires,  to  abhor  cupidity,  to  avoid  ex- 
travagance, to  indulge  no  practice,  however  tempting,  not  strictly  sanctioned 
by  the  precepts  of  religion,  and  to  rely  entirely  upon  honest  industry,  as  the  on- 
ly path  of  peace,  and  the  surest  source  of  affluence.  Be  assured  that  such  a 
course  of  conduct  is  not  only  important  to  the  public  weal,  but  will  eminently 
ndornyoarown  characters  as  citizens  :  and  that;  whilst  it  will  contribute,  ma- 
terially, to  the  production  of  an  elevated  tone  of  public  virtue,  and  consequent, 
ly  to  a  corresponding  diffusion  of  the  true  spirit  of  republican  government,  it  al- 
so constitutes  the  only  basis  upon  which  yoa  can  erect,  individually,  the  solid 
and  enduring  edifice  of  your  own  happiness  and  honour. 

"Through  the  wild  waves,  as  they  roar. 

With  v/atchfuleye,  and  daundess  mien, 

Your  steady  course  of  honour  keep. 

Nor  fear  the  rocks,  nor  seek  the  shore." 

Although  we  meet  undei  circumstances  of  national    depression,  however,  it 

is  still  a  source  of  gratification  to  me,  to  have  been  invited  to  an  office  of  which 

it  is  the  natural  and  pleasing  tendency  to  cement  the  ties  that  now  so  happily 

subsist  between  our  respective  States.     Georgia   and  South    Carolina   were 


originally  one  ;*  and  though  they  have  long  been  seperated,  in  respect  to  ter- 
ritory, they  are  still  one,  in  ititerpsts  and  institutions,  and  in  everything  rela- 
ting to  their  past  history  and  future  destinies,  by  which  independent  communi- 
ties can  be  identifit-d  with  each  other.  It  is  not  only  proper,  therefore,  but  it 
really  exhibits  a  kind  of  moral  beauty,  that,  on  occasions  like  the  present,  they 
should  eiiter  familiarly,  as  if  were,  into  each  others  houses,  and,  by  a  kindly 
reciprocation  of  libc^rals^Mitiments  and  feelings,  confirm  and  burnish  this  chain 
by  which  they  are  bound,  as  I  trust  they  ever  will  be,  in  fraternal  amity  and 
peace 

And,  as  very  little  more  than  a  century  has  elapsed,  since  the  erecfien  of 
Goorgia  into  a  seperate  territory,  it  might  have  been  curious  had  our  time 
permiited,  to  have  reeviewd  some  of  the  prominent  events  that  have  transpired, 
within  that  period,  upoii  the  broad  arena  of  the  civilize  i  world.  I  might  have 
traced  the  progress  of  our  own  country,  from  its  colonial  condition  to  the  adop- 
tion ofthe  existing  federal  constitution,  and  sketched  the  history  of  thai  admi- 
rable  instrument,  through  all  those  difficulties,  foreign  and  domestic,  which,  by 
trying,  have  confirmed  its  strength.  I  mi^ht  have  shown  the  prodigious  in- 
fluence  w^hich  the  free  principles  of  our  republican  institutions  have  exerted,  in 
diff*using  a  knowledge  ofthe  rights  of  man,  and  enkindling  a  becoming  dispo- 
sition to  assert  them  in  other  portions  of  the  globe.  I  might  have  adverted  to 
the  appalling  scenes  of  the  French  Revolution,  which,  born  as  it  was  of  the 
spirit  of  liberty,  consumed  liberty  iiself — in  its  dreadful  fires,  and  to  those  pro- 
tracted and  sanguinary  wars,  of  which  that  memorable  drama  was  the  or- 
igin. I  might  have  depicted  the  career  of  that  extraordinary  man,  who  dis- 
posed of  crowns  and  kingdoms  at  his  pleasure,  but  who,  after  having  risen 
from  obscurity  to  the  throne  of  almost  universal  empire,  died  an  exile,  upon  a 
solitary  rock,  the  world  of  waters  around  which  was  strikingly  emblematical  of 
his  former  oreatness  and  unbounded  fame,  whilst  the  pecular  loneliness  of  his 
prison-house,  in  the  very  midst  of  ocean,  exemplified  still  more  forcibly  the 
utter  desolation  of  his  fortunes.  I  might  have  adverted,  also,  to  another  Revo- 
lution of  a  still  more  recent  date,  in  France,  by  which  the  freedom  ofthe  Press 
was  nobly  established  on  the  ruins  of  despotism,  and  republican  principles 
engrafted  on  the  monarchy  of  that  beauteous,  gallant,  and  regenerated  land. 
I  might  have  alluded  to  the  persevering  efforts,  and  final  victory  of  Ireland,  in 
the  sacred  cause  of  civil  liberty  and  religious  toleration,  and  to  the  remarka- 
ble advances  made  by  En^'laud  herself,  the  great  enemy  of  Irish  freedom,  not 
only  in  the  extension  ofthe  elective  franchise,  but  in  various  other  particulars 
essentially  connected  with  popular  rights.  I  might  have  directed  your  atten- 
tion to  the  great  mother  country  of  republics— classic,  unhappy,  at. d  degraded 
Greece— who  rose,  like  a  meteor,  from  the  grave  of  ages,  but  who,  after  in- 
numerable feats  of  unavailing  valor,  and  the  heroic  endurance  of  unutterable 
woes,  sunk  again,  like  a  Pleiad  from  the  skies,  never  nr.ore  to  shine    amongst 

♦Georgia  was  originally  included  in  a  patent  granted  to  South  Carolina  ;  first  as  a  proprietary 
government;  in  1719  it  became  a  regal  one;  and  in  1732  a  charter  was  granted  to  General 
O '•Icthorpe  and  others,  for  a  t^epcrate  anJ  distinct  province  from  Carolina,  between  the  Savan- 
nah and  Alataniaha  rivers,  by  the  name  of  Georgia,  which  name  was  given  it  in  honor  of 
(Gfeorge  II  from  whom  the  charter  was  obtained.— M'Cau,'s  History  of  Georgia. 


the  nations  of  the  earth,  or  to  vindicate  the  glory  of  her  ancient  name.  And  I 
might  have  chimed  your  sympathy,  too,  for  the  wrongs  and  suflerings  of  de- 
voted  Poland,  whose  evanescent  splendor,  bursting  through  clouds,  only  daz- 
zled for  a  moment  to  be  lost  forever  in  still  deeper  gloom,  and  whose  struggles 
for  freedom,  like  those  of  Greece,  only  riveted  the  galling  chain  she  vainly 
attempted  to  remove.  Or,  turning  from  scenes  like  these,  I  might  have  paus- 
ed to  pay  a  well-deserved  tribute  to  the  heroes  of  San  Jatinto,  lo  contemplate 
the  future  fortunes  of  the  infant  republic  of  Texas,  and  to  examine  the  pros- 
pect (never  to  bs  relinquished  by  Southerners,  whilst  hope  remains)  of  itseveti' 
taal  incorporation  into  the  gr>^at  family  of  American  States.  And,  above  all, 
I  might  have  dwelt  upon  the  history  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Georgia;  show- 
ing its  steady  progress  in  wealth  and  population  ;  the  high  intellect  it  has  dis- 
played, and  the  eminent  men  it  has  produced  ;  its  generous  encouragement  of 
learning,  and  particularly  of  the  republican  cause  of  popular  education;  its 
-unswerving  attichment  to  the  principles  of  liberty,  and  the  integrity  of  the  Un- 
ion; and  the  remarkable  contrast  it  now  exhibits,  with  all  the  resources  and 
refinement  of  a  powerful  a!id  enlightened  State,  to  the  little  dependent  colony, 
established  by  Oglethorpe,  in  the  bosom  of  a  wilderness,  which,  till  then,  had 
been  in  the  undisturbed  possession  of  its  primeval  inhabitants,  but  in  which 
that  illustrious  individual  planted  those  gems  of  liberty,  literature  and  religion, 
of  which  we  now  admire  and  enjoy  the  precious  and  abundant  fruits. 

But  we  have  no  time  for  retrospects  of  this  description;  and,  therefore,  as 
the  cultivation  of  letters  is  the  most  decisive  test  of  refinement,  I  will  only  ob- 
serve, that,  were  are  all  other  evidences  wanting,  the  establishment  of  this  U- 
niversity  would  be  sufficient  of  itself  to  prove  the  devotion  of  Georgia  to  the 
interests  of  learning,  and  to  phice  her  high,  as  a  p:\troiess  of  science,  amongst 
the  members  of  the  Union.  And  this  venerable  Institution  is  your  Alma  Ma- 
ter! It  is  here  that  you  have  been  conducted  through  the  circle  of  the  scien- 
ces,  and  have  received  the  benefits  of  a  liberal  education.  Here  you  have  been 
instructed  ia  the  mathematics,  that  exalted  system  of  iitellect  •  and  truth,  by 
whose  important  aid  the  Geographer  is  guided  in  his  march  on  earth,  the  As- 
tronomer in  his  exploration  of  the  Heavens,  the  Navigator  on  the  trackless 
ocean,  and  the  Miner  in  the  bowels  of  the  earlh,  and  which,  as  it  comprehends 
everything  relating  to  number,  magnitude  and  proportion,  is  not  less  indespen- 
sable  to  the  welfare  of  society,  than  it  is  preeminently  distinguished  by  thesub- 
limest  efforts  of  the  human  mind.  Here  you  hjve  been  taught  the  elements  of 
Chemistry,  which  includes  all  nature  in  its  universal  grasp,  examines  all  sub- 
stances of  whatever  kind  or  character,  analyzes  their  principles,  explains  their 
affinities,  and  the  effects  of  their  com.binations,  and  which,  from  its  endless 
variety  and  practical  utility,  not  only  furnishes  constant  and  increasing  sources 
of  attraction,  but  displays  its  power  in  every  usefd  art,  and  in  all  the  occupa- 
tions and  pursuits  of  man.  Here  you  have  been  made  acquainted  with  (hose 
airs  or  gases,  that  exist  in  the  atmosphere,  and  of  which  it  is  the  province  of 
Chemistry  to  unfold  the  properties,  and  thus  to  investigate  the  composition, 
and  explain  the  modifications,  of  the  atmosphere  itself.  Here  you  have  learnt 
the  nature  aad  properties  of  earths  and  alkalies,  atid  the  composition  and  value 


ofminnrals  and  fc^sils.  Ilorc,  too,  you  l-ave  .studied  Jhe  principles  of  Elcclri- 
city,  and  are  familiar,  doubilcss,  with  tho  astonishing  discovery,  and  prodigi- 
ous cflocis  ofGalvanitinti,  p.nd  wilh  the  no  less  woadorful  iufluence  of  tlint  mag- 
netic power,  whos3  mysterious  agency  hns  b^en  applied  wiih  such  immense 
advantage  to  navigation,  and  to  other  useful  and  important  purposes.  And  you 
have  been  iastructod  in  tho  knowledge  of  the  Heavens  and  the  Earth.  As- 
tronomy has  enabled  you  to  number  the  stars  of  the  firmament,  to  fix  the  limits 
of  the  constellations,  to  reduce  to  order  tho  erratic  movementg  of  the  planets, 
to  calculate  their  m:ignitudes  and  distancew,  their  velocity  and  density,  and  to 
understand  and  admire  that  great  law  of  nature,  the  principle  of  Gravitation, 
whn.h  preserves  the  harmony  of  the  Solar  system,  and  probably  regulates  and 
controls  ever)''  other  system  in  the  universe.  Geography  has  taught  you  tho 
formation  of  the  earth,  the  theory  of  the  tides,  and  the  latitude  and  longitude  of 
places  ;  and  whilst  that  useful  science  has  carried  you  from  countr)'-  to  country. 
and  from  a'^o  to  age,  explaining  the  ancient  and  modern  names  and  forms,  limits 
and  iieights,  of  kingdoms  and  republics,  seas  and  rivers,  deserts  and  moun- 
faihs,  history  has  accompanied  you  in  those  interesting  researches,  exhibiting 
tho  origin  and  progress,  the  wars  and  revolutions,  the  polity,  literature  and  re- 
ligion, of  the  difT^rent  nations  of  the  earth.  Your  attention  has  also  beendircc 
ted  to  the  delightful  study  of  natural  history.  You  have  examined  all  the  vari- 
ous connecting  links,  of  which  the  great  chain  of  animated  nature  is  composed. 
You  have  traced  them  from  man,  raised  above  all  terrcslial  beings  by  the  god- 
like  faculty  of  reason, through  all  the  gradations  of  inferior  animals,  until  ynu 
arrive  at  an  order  so  simple  in  its  structure,  and  so  deficient  m  vitality,  that  the 
animal  becomes  blended  with  the  vegetable,  or  rather  the  former  kind  of  exis- 
tence disappears  in  the  latter.  But,  whilst  engaged  in  this  curious  investiga- 
tion of  the  wonders  of  Zoology,  you  have  not  forgotten  to  explore  the  fields, 
and  cnioy  the  beauties,  of  tho  vegetable  kingdom,  to  classify  the  flowers  that 
you  culled,  to  ascertain  the  species  and  properties  of  plants,  and  to  discover, 
in  the  decorated  carpet  of  the  earth,  the  same  infinite  wisdom  and  benevolence 
that  lights  up  the  sun,  and  spreads  out  the  gorgeous  curtain  of  tho  sky.  Nor 
have  you  been  inattentive  to  the  important  departments  of  intellecLial  and  eth- 
ical philosophy.  You  have  been  taught  to  turn  your  eyes  inwards  upon  you*-. 
Reives,  to  explore  the  arcana  of  the  human  understanding,  to  ascertain  the  or- 
it^in  of  ideas,  to  develope  the  operations  of  the  mental  faculties;  and  to  com- 
prehend the  principles,  and  practice  the  art  of  logic.  You  have  been  taught 
the  duties  men  ov^e  to  themselves,  and  the  obligations  they  incur  in  relation  to 
society  ;  and  moral,  1  presume,  has  been  at  least  so  far  aided  by  tkeologiom, 
instruction,  as  to  have  shown  you  the  grounds  upon  which  Christianity  rests 
Its  claims  to  a  divine  original,  and  to  have  satisfied  you,  not  of  its  intimate 
connexion  with  civil  liberty,  as  it  exists  in  this  happy  land,  but  of  its  indispen- 
t^able  importance  to  your  own  present  and  f^tcrnal  welfare.  And  you  have 
been  instructed  in  the  science  of  politics.  You  are  not  only  well  acquainted 
with  the  principal  governments  of  antiquity,  and  with  the  important  differences 
ny  which  those  that  now  exist  are  distinguiihi^d  from  each  otlipr,  but.  your 
studies  ill   llws  d;'par:mcnt  have  ir.spircdyou  with  a  datcstatjon  of  despotism, 


in  whatever  ghape  it  may  appear,  and  with  a  OGrrespondiiig  devotion  to  the 
popular  principles,  and  regulated  freedom,  of  the  exceliont  institutions  under 
ivhich  we  live.  Nor  have  you  nej^dected  the  rich  treasures  of  the  Classics. 
You  have  drunk  at  the  hallowed  fountains  of  antiquity.  Your  tastes  have  been 
formed  upon  the  purest  models.  You  have  studied  the  principles  of  Criticism, 
and  the  rules  of  Rhetoric,  and,  in  a  word,  whilst  it  has  been  the  main  object 
of  your  education,  to  enlarge  your  minds  with  valuable  knowledge,  no  effort 
has  been  spared  so  to  commingle  elegant  literature  with  the  severer  sciences, 
and  so  to  tram  you  in  the  important  art  of  eloquence,  as  to  decorate  your  moro 
solid  acquisitions  with  all  those  attractive  graces  which  are  necessary  to  con- 
stitute the  characters  of  accomplished  orators  and  scholars. 

Such  is  an  imperfect  outline  of  your   collegiate  course — having    presented 
vrliich,  I  now  solicit  your  indulgence  for  some  of  the  reflections  <^uggested  by  it. 

IIow  delightful  is  the  pursuit  of  hiouiedge  !  Who  would  not  like  to  trace 
the  progress  of  science,  from  its  earliest  dawn  in  Egypt  or  Chaldaca,  to  the  full 
splendour  of  the  present  age,  and  the  gradual  advancement  of  society,  froru 
the  origio  of  civil  institutions,  to  the  refinement  and  perfection  that  are  now 
displayed  in  the  civilized  portions  of  the  globe  I  Who  would  not  wish  to  ho 
conversant  with  the  prominent  events  of  history,  and  with  all  <hosG  occurren- 
ces, at  every  epoch,  that  produced  important  elFecls  upon  the  foitunes  of  man. 
kind,  and  to  bo  so  thoroughly  iinbued  with  clasj:ic  lore,  as  to  be  competent  to 
appreciate  the  beauties,  and  fdjudge  the  merits,  of  the  ancients  and  the  mod- 
erns! Who  would  not  desire  to  be  well-skilled  in  politics,  to  comprehend  the 
advantages  and  defects  ot  every  form  of  govenimcnt,  and  particularly  the  com- 
plex structure,  and  peculiar  operation,  of  our  own  Constitution  !  Who  would 
not  desire  to  be  acquainted  with  every  system,  and  with  every  sect — to  liold 
improving  converse  with  the  moralist,  as  he  inculcates  the  lessons  of  wisdom, 
and  the  dignity  of  virtue — to  listen  to  philosophy,  as  it  explains  the  motions  of 
the  heavenly  bodies,  or  the  structure  of  the  earth,  and  the  various  strata  of 
which  it  is  composed — or  to  walk  humbly  with  religion,  as  it  unfolds  the  rela- 
tions  between  man  and  his  Creator,  and  points  out  the  only  path  w  hich  can 
lead  through  peace  and  pleasantness  liere,  to  unending  felicity  in  a  f-Uure  life  ! 
Who  would  not  like  to  travel  with  the  traveller,  accumulating  information  as 
he  roams  abroad,  or  to  accomjrany  the  adventurous  explorer,  as  he  visits  the  re- 
niotesl  regions  and  the  most  inhospitable  climes,  cheerfully  enduring  hardships 
and  encountering  hazards,  for  the  exalted  purpose  of  enlarging  the  boundaries 
of  science,;and  enrolling  his  name  amongst  the  honored  benefactors  of  his  race  ! 
W'ho  would  not  like  to  be  familiar  with  the  eminent  njen  of  every  ago  and  na- 
tion— to  sympathize  with  patriots  who  have  nobly  suffered  in  their  country's 
cause — to  dwell  upon  the  achievetnenls  of  warriors,  who  have  erected  the 
standard  of  independence  upon  the  ruins  of  a  throne — to  hang  upon  the  lips 
of  orators,  rousing  their  countrymen  to  the  assertion  of  their  rights,  and  catch 
the  i.ispiratioa  of  liberty  from  their  burning  words — or  to  revel  m  tlie  charms 
of  poetry,  whether  it  moves  with  the  mojesfy  of  the  epic  muse,  or  poura  forth 
the  plaintive  softness  of  elegiac  verse  !  Who  would  not  desire,  in  short,  that 
new  li-^ht  should  h\^  daily  iafujcd  iuio  hid 'j:ider:Jlar.ding,  nc%v  accessions  uiado 


10 

to  his  iatollectual  resources,  and  that  he  should  grow  in  knowledge  as  ho  grows 
in  years,  constantly  perfecting  his  nature  and  increasing  his  happiness,  by  mul- 
tiplyinghis  literary  attainments,  and  expanding  the  capacities  of  his   immor- 
tal mind  !     And  how  valuable  is  knowledge  to  the  forlnate  possessor!     What  a 
sphere  of  usefulness  does  it  offer  !     What  a  fund  of  enjoyment,  of  which  no- 
thing can  deprive  him  !     What  a  source  of  influence  and  power,  particularly 
in  a  country  like  ours,  in  which  no  distinctions  are  recognized   but   those  that 
urise  from  superior  intellect  and  virtue !     Who  then  would  be  ignorant,  rather 
than  take  the    trouble  to  become  enlightened!     Or  contented  with  obscurity, 
rather  than  strive  for  eminence  !     Or    willingly    forego  a  treasure,    which  no 
moth  or  rust  can  destroy,  which  will  go  with  him   wherever   he  goes,  which 
confers  pleasure  at  home  and  fame   abroad,  dignifies  prosperity,  and  affords 
consolation  in  ^misfortune  ?     And  how  all  im-portant  is  knowledge  to  the   welfare 
of  society  f     Who  can  tell  the  mischievous  errors  it  has    corrected,   the   false 
and  dangerous  theories  it  has  exploded,  the  degrading  superstitions  it  has  ban- 
ished, the  ignorant  fears  it  has  dissipated,  the  cruelties  it  has  repressed,  the 
sufferings  and  labors  it  has  mitigated  or  abolished,  the  comforts  and  luxuries  it 
has    introduced,  the  intelligence    and  happiness   it  has  universally   diffused  I 
Who  can  estinvite  the  advantages  that  have  resulted,  in  reference  to  war  and 
commerce,  from  the  invention  of  gun-powder  and  the  discovery  of  the  mariner's 
compass,  or  the  beneficicnt  influence  which  the  Reformation,  aided  by  the    art 
ofPrinting,  has  exerted  in  disseminating  the  blessings  of  religion,   liberty  and 
and  learning  throughout  the  world!     What  indeed,  would  society  be,  without 
the  light  of  knowledgt? !     What  is  it  that  teaches  us  the   properties  of  matter, 
and  the  laws  of  motion  ;  the  nature  of  light,  and  the  laws  of  vision  ;  the   prop- 
erties of  air,  and  the  nature  and  effects  of  heat  and  cold  ;  the  causes  of  earth- 
quakes and  volcanoes,  of  winds  and  clouds  ;  and,  in  a  word,  that  elucidates  the 
phenomena,  and  enables  us  to  control  the  elements  of  nature  !     What  is  it  that 
gives  to  Geography  its  correctness,  to  navigation  its  security,  to    commerce  its 
extension,  to  agriculture  its  productiveness,  to  architecture  its  strength  and  el- 
egance,  to  machinery  its  diversified  application,  and  unbounded  power  !    What 
is  it  that  has  made  us  acquainted  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  air,  the   ocean, 
and  the  earth — with  the  nature  and  properties  of  eveiy    animal  or   vegetable 
that  is  fit  for  fqod,  or  that  supplies  an  article  of  commerce — of  every  plant  that 
contributes  to  our  clothing,  or  alleviates  disease — of  every  mineral  or   metal 
tiiat  is  indispensable  to  comfort,  or  that  enters    essentially  into  the    rt'ealth    of 
nations — of  every  insect,  that  is  either  useful  in  medicine,  or  that  produces  a 
delicacy  forth®   taste,  or  a  luxurious  material  for  manufacture,  or  a    beautiful 
color  to  adorn  it !     What  is  it  that  unfalds  the  structure  of  the  human  frame, 
showing  indeed,  how  fearfully  and   wonderfully  it  is  made — or  has   invested 
Surgery  with  the   admirable   precision  and  dexterity  which  it  now  exhibits — 
or  that  enables  Medicine  to  conquer  all  the  maladies  to  which  mankind  is  sub- 
ject, those  plagues  and  pestilences  alone  excepted,  which  beemed  destined  by 
Providence  to  perform  the  office  ofsj)ecial  judgements,  and  to    remain  incura- 
ble scourges  of  the  human  race  ?     What  is  it  that  disarms  the  lightning  of  its 
■jjowcr — clovMtcs  valleys  and  represses  hills — cleaves  the  ocean,  and  asccntis 


the  sky !  What  is  it  that  we  behold  in  every  elegant  and  useful  art — in  the  dj. 
versified  hues  that  attract  the  eye — in  the  dresses  and  decorations  of  our  per- 
sons and  our  houses — in  every  in)plement  of  husbandry  or  war — in  the  subter- 
raneous aqueduct,  or  the  heaven  kissing  monument — in  the  animated  canvass, 
or  speaking  marble  !  What  arc  all  these,  but  the  varied  triumphs  of  the  human 
mind!  And  who  can  estimate  their  value  I  To  say  nothing  of  that  absolute 
state  of  barbarism,  "When  wild  in  woods,  the  noble  savage  ran,"  who  can 
measure  the  difference  between  the  splendid  illumination  ©f  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury, and  that  glimmering  condition  of  society,  when  astrology  assumed  to  reg- 
ulate events,  and  alchemy  to  transmute  all  other  metals  into  gold — when  igno- 
ranee  was  afirighted  by  an  ignis  fatuus,  and  comets  and  meteors  were  regard- 
ed  as  the  immediate  precarsors  of  the  dissolution  of  the  world — when  science 
was  considered  synonymous  with  magic,  and  punished  as  the  evidence  of  atro- 
cious crime — when  superstition  occupied  the  seat  of  justice,  and  guilt  or  in- 
nocence was  established  by  the  righteous  decisions  of  fire  or  water,  or  the  in- 
fallible  ordeal  of  military  prowess  !  Science  is,  indeed,  to  the  moral,  what 
the  great  orb  of  day  is  to  the  natural  world — and  as  the  extinction  of  the  latter 
would  necessarily  be  followed  by  universal  darkness  and  deca}^,  so,  were  art 
and  science  lost,  society  would  inevitably  relapse  into  the  savagism  from  which 
it  is  their  proud  boast  to  have  elevated  and  redeemed  it.  But,  advanced  as 
knowledge  is,  it  has  by  no  means  attained  the  ultimate  height  to  which  it  may 
be  carried  !  In  medicine,  lor  instance,  the  mastery  still  remains  to  be  obtained 
over  various  diseases  that  deride  its  power,  and  the  gratitude  of  mankind  is 
yet  reserved  for  him,  who  shall  achieve  the  victory.  Indeed,  every  depart- 
ment of  knowledge,  still  affords  room  for  improvement,  and  rewards  for  genius. 
The  sun  of  science  knows  no  meridian.  In  fact,  scarcely  is  one  improvement 
in  the  full  tide  of  successful  experiment,  before  it  is  superseded  by  another. 
Even  now,  whilst  steam  is  riding,  like  a  sea-god,  in  his  ocean  car,  it  is  in  con- 
templation to  dethrone  it,  by  the  substitution,  in  its  stead,  of  the  novel  power  of 
electro  magnetism.  Such  is  the  limitless  nature,  and  aspiring  tendency  of 
genius.  Every  year  will  develope  new  principles,  or  the  ai)pIications  of  known 
ones  to  purposes  to  which  as  yet  they  have  never  been  directed;  and  thus, 
new  inventions  and  new  improvements,  like  newly  discovered  stars,  will  be 
constantly  increasing  the  light  of  science,  and  adding  to  individual  comfort  and 
national  wealth,  by  furnishing  new  instruments  of  power,  and  disclosing  new 
sources  of  prosperity  ! 

Seeing,  then,  that  such  is  the  inestimable  value  of  knowledge,  both  to  indi- 
viduals  and  nations,  it  cannot  be  improper  to  inquire,  do  you  take  plea«ure  in 
pursuing  it?  Do  you  realize  its  importance  to  yourselves  and  to  society  ?  And 
do  you  really  long  to  attain  that  laudable  distinction  amongst  men  which  can 
only  be  derived  Irom  superior  merit?  If  to  these  questions  the  responses  are 
afi'irmative,  your  path  is  plain,  your  progress  easy,  and  your  victory  sure.  In 
relation  to  learning,  it  is  only  necessary  to  determine  to  obtain  it.  Elevated 
as  it  is  above  all  oilier  wealth,  it  is  also  the  only  kind  of  which  the  desire  so 
surely  produces  the  possession,  that  they  may  almost  be  regarded  as  corvcrli-. 
ble  terms. 


12 

But  though  I  can  readily  conceive  that  all  of  you  are  panting  fur  the  race, 
and  eager  for  the  prize  (for  indeed  an  American,  destitute  ol  anr)bition,  is  un^ 
•worthy  of  the  glorious  lieritage  of  freedom)  there  are  still  certain  plain,  whole* 
Home,  practical  truths,  that  cannot  be  too  deeply  infixed  in  the  youthful  mind, 
and  to  which,  therefure,  a  conviction  of  propriety  constrains  me  to  solicit  your 
attention.  I  would  j2;uard  you  against  errors  on  the  one  hand,  and  incite  you 
to  the  performance  of  duty  on  the  other — point  out  the  rocks  on  which  you 
may  be  wrecked,  and  delineate  the  course  which  alone  can  cotiduct  you  to 
the  haven  of  usefulness  and  honor. 

There  are  faults  of  diffidence,  and  also  of  presumption.  Some  refuse  exer- 
tion, despairing  of  succes^s — others  neglect  it,  relying  entirely  on  their  genius. 

Both  of  these  are  fatal  errors,  which  cannot  be  too  carefully  avoided  or 
corrected. 

Self-distrust  is  not  modesty.  An  amialle  virtue  must  not  be  confounded 
with  a  reprehensible  weakness-.  The  only  ground  upon  which  this  weakness 
has  ever  been  attempted  to  be  justified,  is,  that  there  is  a  radical  and  incurable 
cifferonce  in  the  intellects  of  men.  Admitting  the  truth  of  this  assertion,  and 
that  some  men  are  inferior  to  others  in  point  of  natural  understanding,  still  there 
are  none  so  dull  whose  minds  may  not  be  stored  with  knowledge,  disciplined 
by  study,  and  improved  by  practice.  The  greatest  orator  of  antiquity  is  said 
to  have  been  an  unpromising  youth,  yet  every  scholar  is  fiimiliar  with  his  emi- 
nence, and  knows  the  methods  by  which  it  was  acquired.  Thousands  of  sim- 
ilar illustrations  might  easily  bo  given.  No  one,  then,  who  has  the  means  of 
education,  should  despair  of  knowledge.  Perseverence  will  overcome  all  ob- 
HtaclcG,  and,  though  the  ascent  may  be  difficult,  will  place  its  votary  on  the 
hill  of  fame,  whilst  he,  whatever  mav  be  his  talent,  who  neglects  the  improve- 
ment of  his  inind,  will  be  found  grovelling  in  the  ignoble  obscurity  of  the  vale 
below. 

Mental   precocity,  in  fact,    may  often  be  regarded  as  a  dangerous  gift.     It 
begets  overweening  confidence,  and  an  undue  reliance  on  capacity,  in  contra- 
■distinction  to  acquirement.     A  genius  is  too  apt  to  imagine  that  he  can  master 
subjects,  of  the  very  elements  of  which,  perhaps,  he  is  profoundly  ignorant. 
Hence  the  most  promising  youths  arc  often  overtaken,  and  left  far  behind,   by        / 
their  industrious  inferiors,  in  the  race  of  life.     Many,  who  have  OiiWWrn  in  Col-  -^  ^'  '*'' 
lege,  with  little  or  no  effi^rt,  have  been  indebted  to  that  very  circumstance    for 
their  subsequent  failure  on  the  great  theatre  of  the    world.     Eminence  cannot 
J)e  attained  without  learning,  nor  learning  without  unwearied  application,  and 
systematic  discipline.     Tiie  advice,  therefore,  that  has  been  ofTdred  to  the  dif- 
fident, is  equally  applicable  to  the  confident.     The  consciousness  of  talent,   no 
more  tlaan  its  imaginary  want,  can  dispense   with  the  necessity  of  persevering 
afuc/y.     Fame  is  the  reward  of  toil ;  and  he  is  indeed  deceived,  who  expects  *o 
command  resources  without  the  trouble  of  acquiring  them,  or  to  rise  to  emi- 
nence  upon    abed  of  roses,  or  to  win  tliat  laurel-Avreath,  without  an  effijrt, 
wJaich  crowns  none  but  those  who  earn  it  by  their  diligence, 
"liove,  fame,  psfeem,  'tis  labor  must  acquire, 
^'Tlic  emilins  ofT^pnng  of  a  rigid  aire." 


13 

But,  wliilst  some  err  through  hun)ility,  and  others  :tl:in!ragh  presmiption  ; 
there  are  others  again,  who  wasfe  their  lives  in  ignorance  aiycS  indolence,  either 
from  an  inherent  aversion  to  stud}",  or  from  a  contempt  of  knowledge  as  un. 
worthy  the  notice  of  a  gentleman,  or  from  an  unfounded  impression  that  many 
branches  of  education  are  of  little  or  no  value  in  the  affairs  of  life.  Hence  the 
fashionable  doctrines,  that  the  ancient  languages  are  dead  and  ought  to  be  a. 
bandoned  ;  that  the  mathematics  are  only  serviceable  to  orofessional  men ;  that 
metaphysics  is  an  idle  jargon,  leading  to  no  practical  results,  and  fit  only  to  a- 
muse  the  ingenuity  of  schoolmen  ;  and  that  he,  whose  fortune  places  him  above 
ihc  necessity  of  learning,  needs  no  farther  education  than  a  general  and  super- 
^cial  acquaintance  with  tlie  current  literature  •f  the  day.  Against  errsrs  such 
us  these  it  is  vain  to  argue.  A  gentleman,  surely,  is  not  the  less  entitled  to 
that  appellation,  who  possesses  a  cultivated  taste,  and  a  well  stored  mind  ;  nor 
-does  it  derogate  from  the  dignify  of  a  planter  to  be  conversant  with  the  priuci- 
f)les  of  a^ricciture  and  rural  economy,  or  with  the  science  of  chemistry  as  ap- 
plicable to  them,  or  with  all  those  mechanic  arts  which  are  indispensably  con- 
nected with  the  pursuits  of  hissbandry.  Hut  he  who  hates  or  despises  knowl- 
edge, can  never  be  taught  to  love  or  revere  it,  nor  can  ambition  be  implanted  in 
■a  heart  that  is  naturally  destitute  of  that  ennobling  principle.  As  1  trust,  how- 
ever, there  are  iwne  before  me  to  whom  this  remark  applies,  I  proceed  with 
-confidence,  in  the  firm  conviction  ttiat  I  q^eak  to  those,  who  wish  to  do  some- 
thing  whilst  they  live,  for  which  they  may  deserve  to  be  remembered  when 
they  die. 

The  present  pei-iod  is  distinguished,  above  all  that  have  jtrcceded  it.  by  what 
has  been  emphatically  denominated  t-he  march  of  mind.  This  is  abundantly 
isianifest,  not  only  in  the  extraordin.iry  advancement  of  the  sciences,  but  in  all 
those  revolutions  and  improvements,  civil,  political,  and  religious,  of  which  the 
great  objects  are  to  enlighten,  elevate,  and  reform  mankind.  He,  therefore, 
•who  would  attain  to  eminence,  must  keep  pace  fully  with  the  progress  of  soci- 
ety.  As  the  age  moves  onward,  he  must  move  on  with  it.  or  be  left  behind. 
But  whilst  ign<5rance,  in  a  period  of  such  general  illumination,  would  indeed  be 
a  reproach  to  any  man,  let  it  alsa  be  remembered  that  unusual  efforts  are  re- 
quired of  those  who  aspire  to  rise  above  mediocrity,  or  to  shine  with  superior 
lustre  in  the  literary  firmament.  They,  and  they  only,  can  hope  to  be  stars, 
in  an  age  like  thiR,  of  whom  it  may  be  truly  said,  as  regards  their  preparatory 
course, 

•"See  how  ihe  matchlesa  youth  their  hours  improve, 

And  in  the  g^lorious  way  to  knowledge  mors  ; 

Eager  for  fame,  prevent  the  rising  sun, 

Aud  watch  the^midniglit  labors  of  the  raoon." 
But,  whilst  one  poet  thus  stimulates  your  ambition  to  excel  in  learning,  as  the 
only  sure  groundwork  ofpowxr  and  distinction,  another  urges  impressively  the 
important  truth,  that 

"Not  in  mental,  but  in'moral  worth, 

God  excellence  placed,  and  only  to  the  good, 

The  virtuous,  grants  happiness  b«low." 


14 

However  desirable,  thcreforo,  it  may  be,  to  be  distifiguislied,  it  is  infiaitely 
more  important  to  be  virtiious.  As  knou'ledge  is  power,  so  it  is  an  instru- 
ment  of  great  good  or  evil,  as  it  may  be  applied  to  elevated  or  ignoble  purpo- 
ses. Learning,  adorned  b)'  virtue,  forms  the  perfection  of  the  human  charac- 
ter; but  when  employed  to  poison  the  minds,  pervert  the  principles,  and  de- 
stroy the  happiness  of  a  community,  it  is  a  moral  fiend,  seeking  whom  it  may 
devour,  and  justly  deserves  the  abhorrence  of  every  friend  of  man.  Unprin- 
cipled talent,  however,  injurious  as  it  is  to  society,  is  still  more  pernicious  to 
its  unforiunate  possessor.  Of  what  use,  mdeed,  is  it  to  him,  but  to  render  his 
debasement  the  more  conspicuous  and  deplorable  !  Of  what  use  to  him,  but 
to  show  that  those  M'ho  fall  from  the  greatest  height,  generally  fall  to  the  low- 
est depth,  and  that  he,  of  all  others,  is  most  justly  execrated  and  contemned, 
•who,  with  intellectual  strength  and  elegance,  condeecends  to  the  commission 
of  an  act  of  turpitude  ?  The  practice  of  virtue  is  recommended,  then,  not  only 
by  its  intrinsic  beauty,  but  by  every  motive  of  private  interest,  and  public  ap- 
probation. Do  you  desire  to  be  happy?  Be  assured  that  felicity  can  only  be 
found  in  a  rigid  adherence  to  the  principles  of  rectitude  !  Do  you  covet  the  es- 
teem  and  confidence  of  the  community  around  you  ?  Be  assured  they  can  on- 
ly be  obtained  by  the  exhibition  and  maintenance  of  a  high  and  unimpeachable 
character  for  honor  and  integrity  !  Do  you  wish  to  be  beloved  whilst  living, 
and  that  garlands  shall  be  strewn  upon  your  graves  when  dead?  You  must 
learn  the  "luxury  of  doing  good."  He  only  lives  in  public  gratitude  and  hon- 
our, who  does  those  things  that  are  of  good  report,  and  devotes  his  influence  to' 
the  promotion  of  all  those  objects,  literary,  rtjligious,  and  b^aievolent,  whteh  are 
laudably  intended  to  diffuse  the  benefits  of  useful  knowledge,  to  repress  crime 
and  alleviate  misfortune,  to  dry  up  the  sources  of  morn!  evil,  and  enlarge  the 
fountains  of  happiness  and  virtue. 

But,  whilst  I  urge  the  necessity  of  u  strict  adherence  to  moral  principles  and 
duties,  as  alike  important  to  your  own  welfare  and  that  of  society,  it  would  be 
unpardonable  to  omit  the  imperative  claims  of  Patriotism.  At  the  head  of 
these,  is  the  great  cardinal  principle  oi' obedience  to  the  laws.  This  is  not  on- 
ly  a  republican  duty,  but  a  most  exalted  and  comprehensive  virtue.  We  live 
under  a  government,  bottomed  upon  the  doctrine  of  popular  sovereignty,  and  of 
which  it  is  a  fundamental  principle,  that  the  will  of  the  majority,  constitution- 
ally expressed,  is  the  law  of  the  land.  It  is  incumbent  upon  you,  therefore, 
not  only  to  obey  the  laws  yourselves,  but  to  resist  every  doctrine,  however 
plausible,  every  movement,  however  specious,  which  tends  to  engender  the  per- 
nicious spirit  of  mobocracy.  It  is  immaterial  whether  this  spirit  be  displayed 
in  the  infliction  of  popular  vengeance  upon  obnoxious  individuals,  or  in  forcible 
resistance,  by  illegal  combinations,  to  the  regular  execution  of  the  laws.  In 
cither  case  it  is  the  very  principle  ofanarchy  ;  substituting  tumultuary  violence 
for  public  justice,  and  trampling  in  the  dust  the  rightful  authority  of  govern- 
ment. Allow  this  spirit  to  prevail,  and  it  is  evident  there  can  be  no  security 
for  private  rights,  nor  for  the  stability  of  our  republican  institutions.  And, 
;ihatyour  obedience  to  the  laws  maybe  cheerful  and  intelligent — the  result  of 
enlightened  prir.ciplp,  not  of  abject  fcai; — the  voluntary  homage  of  freemen 


13 

to  the  govcrnraeat  oflheir  choice,  not  the  reluctant  sabnVussioa  of  subjects  to  tho 
arbitrary  edicts  of  a  despot — patriotism  calls  upoii  you  to  sustain  the  CoiistUu- 
iion,from  loMch  iliey  cmaiialc.  Asa  Christian  obssrves  the  requisitions  of  tho 
Gospel,  le&s  on  account  of  the  penalties  it  denounces,  than  from  an  elevated 
sentiment  of  love  to  God,  so  every  good  citizen  will  cling  to  the  great  charter 
of  our  liberties,  not  so  much  from  a  sense  of  duty,  as  from  a  just  appreciation 
of  the  inestimable  blessings  it  confers.  And  he  will  cling  to  it,  too,  not  only 
because  it  has  made  the  American  people  incomparably  the  freest  and  happiest 
on  earth,  but  because  it  is  from  the  successful  action  of  our  political  system, 
that  other  nations  have  derived  whatever  they  possess  of  actual  freedom,  or  of 
the  disposition  to  obtain  it.  In  every  age,  soms  one  nation  has  always  exer- 
cised a  predominant  influence  over  others.  This  position  is  now  occupied, 
and  this  influence  exercised,  by  the  United  States,  and  mainly  from  the  cir- 
camstances  that  the  ^ve.s  principles  of  our  government  are  in  exact  accordance 
with  the  prevailing  disposition  of  mankind.  The  American  (Constitution  is,  in 
fact,  the  political  luminary  of  the  world,  and  he  who  would  extinguish  its  sa- 
cred light,  is  not  only  a  traitor  to  American  liberty,  but  justly  deserves  to  be 
regarded  as  an  enemy  to  the  human  race.  Patriotism,  therefore,  requires  you 
io  cultivate  an  ardent  and  abiding  attachment  to  that  Constitution  as  the  bond  of 
■our  ■political  Union.  This  is  the  Ark  of  our  political  salvation — the  Citadel 
from  which  the  light  of  liberty  shines,  and  its  inspirmg  banner  waives — that 
sacred  light,  at  which  monrniig  humanity  may  relume  its  hopes — that  banner 
which  proudly  pVoclairas  that  there  is  still  one  republic  in  the  world,  one  laud 
where  man  w^alks  erect  in  ali  the  dignity  of  his  nature,  and  where  the  oppress- 
ed  of  other  nations  may  happily  exchange  the  miseries  of  despotism  for  the 
•inestimable  fruition  of  the  rights  of  man  !  And  who  would  overthrow  it,  if  he 
could?  Who  is  he  that  would  rise  on  the  ruins  of  his  country,  or  that  desire^ 
to  see  the  American  Capitol  rocking  on  its  base,  and  the  proud  emblem  of  free^- 
dom  torn  from  its  walls,  and  this  glorious  confederacy  broken  into  fragments,, 
and  the  sun  of  liberty  extinguished  in  fraternal  blood,  and  the  whole  world  en- 
veloped in  the  dee}?  and  interminable  darkness  of  political  death  ?  If  there  be 
an  American,  so  utterly  unworthy  of  the  name,  let  me  tell  him  for  his  consola- 
tion that  his  parricidal  aspiration  never  can  be  gratified.  The  American  Con- 
federacy can  never  be  dissolved — never,  whilst  the  people  retain  a  recollection 
of  their  common  sufferings  and  glories — or  are  actuated  by  the  principles  of 
the  revolution — or  desire  the  esteem  and  admiration  of  the  world — or  prefer 
tranquility  to  incessant  wars — or  are  permitted  to  think  and  act  for  themselves 
' — or  are  capable  of  distinguishing  between  good  and  evil — or  whilst  reason  is 
Jeft  free  to  combat  error,  and  popular  education  is  promoted,  and  that  great  en- 
gine the  press,  remains  untrammelled,  and  men  dare  to  tliiuk,  and  speak,  and 
act,  like  Ireemen.  That  you  may  do  your  duty  to  the  Union,  hov/ever,  Patriot, 
ism  requires  you,  again,  ZoZoue  your  coM?i/ry/  And  who  can  do  otherwise? 
Is  she  notour  commoii  mothsr?  Is  it  not  to  her  wc,  are  indebted  for  all  that 
we  are,  and  look  for  security  in  the  enjoymant  of  our  rights?  Is  noLhar  glory 
reflected  upon  us  ?  Is  it  not  in  her  soil  that  the  bones  of  our  ancestors  repose, 
and  on  her  care  that  we  depend  for  the  welfare  of  posterity  ?     1 3  there  on  eartlt 


16 

a  prouder  tide  than  tha.t  of  ;in  American  Citizen,  or  has  that  Utopimr  regiom 
yet  been  found,  wF^ose  inhabitants  enjoy  higller  civil  and  political  privileges^ 
than  those  that  constkiite  the  birthright  of  the  humblest  citizen  of  this  great 
republic?  Who,  then,  would  not  love  his  country  ?  Who  does  not  feel  that 
this  is,  indeed  "ins  ovvx,  ins  NATIVE  LAND ?*'  Or  where  is  the  American^ 
"with  soul  so  dead,"  who  caanot  say,,  with  the  honest  enthusiasm  ol  a  patriot 
heart, 

"liove  theprnext  to  heaven  abovo. 

Land  &{  ray  Ffithers — thea  I  love,. 

And  rail  thy  slanderers  as  th«y  will, 

Willi  all  thy  faults,  I  love  5hee  stilL" 
But,  that  you  rrroy  lore  her  as  you  ought^  patriotism  enjoins- it  upoo  you,  te 
discard  all  sectional  prejudices,,  and  contracted  vmcj.  Ignorant,  indeed,,  is  h.e- 
who  limits  the  domain  of  genius  and  virtue  by  a  geographical  li^e,  or  whose 
narrow  vision  can  diacern  nothing  good  in  this  wide  republic,  save  in  the  par- 
ticular portion  of  it  in  which  he  happened  to  be  born.  Feeling.s  of  this  kind 
.are  not  only  degrading  in  tbemselvca,  but  utterly  at  warwkh  tbe  genius  of  our 
institutions,  and  the  welfare  of  our  country.  This  is  not  a  laiid.  o.f  suspicion 
■and  antipathy.  There  is  no  despotism  here,  by  which  aliens  and  enemies  are 
•held  coercively  in  an  unnatural  conjunction,  from  which  they  are  struggling 
to  be  free.  On  the  contrary,  our  tbderative  system  is  a  voluntary  compact  be- 
tween  the  States  that  forroed  it,  and,  as  it  originated  in  a  sense  of  common 
-.danger  and  dependence,  and  was  expressly  established  for  the  great  purposes 
■<jf  common  security  and  protection,  so,,  cmphati'cally,  its  spirit  is  peace,  audits 
'.'ital  principle,  fraternal  love.  Re,  therefore,  who  would  overturn  this  beauti. 
fill  "system  of  family  institutions,"  by  alienating  its  happy  members  from  each 
.other,  is  not  less  an  eneniy  to  the  State  of  whieh  be  is  a  citizen,  than  to  the 
Confederacy  he  would  madly  endeavor  to  dismember.  Let  n>e  entreat  you, 
then,  not  only  to  indulge  no  hostility  to  your  countrymen,  but  to  cherish  towards 
them  all  those  liberal  sentiments  which  will  teach  you  to  respect  their  feeUngs 
and  opinions,  to  appreciate  their  characters  and  virtues,  and  to  promote  theii: 
welfare-  And  are  not  all  Americans  your  countrymen  ?  Are  they  not  all 
members  of  the  same  political  household ;  governed  by  the  same  law-s,  living 
under  the  same  institutions,  having  the  same  manners,  customs,  and  religion, 
partaking  one  common  lot,  and  looking  foiwardto  one  common  destiny  !  Yes! 
and  that  yon  wjay  cultivate  this  American  feeling,  patriotism  requires  you,  again 
to  restrain  the  excesses  of  party  sr)ir  it.  Doubtless,  in  a  country  like  ours,  the 
existence  of  party  is  not  only  unavoidable,  but,  to  a  certain  extent,  proper  and 
commendable.  Parties,  however,  should  be  real,  founded  upon  principle — not 
personal,  or  merely  devoted  to  the  i'lterests  of  men.  Where  parties  are  rea'> 
their  collisions  are  wholesome  to  the  body  politic.  They  elicit  truth,  and 
propagate  light.  Thisy  fan  the  flame  of  liberty,  and  prevent  the  occur, 
rence  of  popular  apathy,  which  is  political  death.  They  develop  the  true 
structure  of  the  government,  and  thus  promote  the  progress  of  republican  prin- 
ciples— and  in  addition  to  all  this,  thu  vigilance  of  the  minority  proiccts  its 
rights,  by  operating  ao  a  salutary  restraint  o:)  the  po'.ver  of  the;  n'ojori'y.     But, 


It 

\vhorc  p.iTty  spirit,  ubandoiiing  the  hi^^Ii  ground  of  priinciple,  descends  to  a 
sorvile  contest  aboul  men,  it  degenerates  into  (action,  the  worst  foe  to  fre<idon>, 
and  tho  very  stepping  slonc  to  monarchy.  It  is  all  important,  therefore,  thai 
you  should  act  in  political  affaira  upon  your  own  convictions  of  public  duty, 
having  nn  enlarged  relation,  in  ail  your  conduct,  to  tho  true  n-clfare  of  our 
common  country,  find  disdaining  to  surrender  your  judgemont,  or  to  violate 
your  consciencos,  either  to  subserve  the  purposes  of  party,  or  to  promote  tho 
advancement  of  ambitious  men.  And,  whilst  you  should  bo  conscientioua  in 
adopting  your  principles,  and  firm  and  independent  in  maintaining  them,  patri- 
r.tism  requires  you,  alao,  not  only  to  tolerate,  but  to  Tcspcctthc  opinions,  of  your 
political  opponents.  As  moderation  ia  essential  to  the  discovery  of  truth,  so 
diversify  ofaentirnent  is  the  lot  of  man.  The  human  intellect  cannot  be  con- 
trolled, nor  would  any  but  a  tyrant  uuderlake  to  force  conviction  or  make  the 
absurd  and  vain  attempt 

"To  bind 
With  iron  chain?,  the  free  born  nmid." 
"V^'hilsf  It  becomes  you,  iheretore,  not  to  be  blind  follow  era  of  party  leaders,  it  is 
also  incumbent  upon  yoa,  freely  to  concede  toothers  the  same  right  of  iudc. 
pendent  judgement,  which  you  claim  for  yourselves.  And,  that  you  may  never 
hesitate  to  exercise  this  tolerance,  it  is  only  necessary  to  reflect  time  your  op- 
ponents  not  only  unquestionably  possess  the  same  right  to  think  and  act  for 
themselves,  that  you  do  to  regulate  your  own  conduct  in  political  affairs;  but 
that  in  all  probabili'y  they  may  be  fully  as  honest  and  conscientious  in  the  for- 
iratiotis  of  their  opinion!>asyou  arc  in  the.  formation  ofyours,  and  that  it  ib  by 
no  mems  impossible  thac  their  judgemont  may  actually  be  correct  as  regards 
the  subject — matter  of  dispute.  And,  in  the  last  place,  patriotism  requires  yoii 
tosiistain  the  great  cause  of  popular  education.  This  is  tho  very  key-stone  of 
the  sacred  edifice  of  freedom.  It  is  true,  that  learning  has  often  been  Ciirried 
to  a  considerable  extent,  in  other  countries,  without  producing  freedom,  or  el- 
evating the  tone  of  public  morals,  or  imparting  happine'?g  to  the  great  body  of 
(he  people.  But  every  mstince  of  this  description  will  be  found  to  have  arisen 
principally  from  the  deplorable  want  of  moral  culture.  i^Ien  aro  mora?,  as  wel! 
as  intellectual  beings,  and  their  moral  qualities,  on  account  of  (heir  auperior 
importance,  should  be  even  more  assiduously  cultivated  than  thoir  mental. — 
Knowledge  may  indeed  enlighten  him,  in  the  ordinary  eignification  of  thip 
phrase,  but,  as  no  soil  without  "parental  sun,  and  genial  shov/ers,"  caa  yield 
"the  harvest  promised  in  the  spring,"  so  no  scheme  of  education,  not  essenti- 
ally bottomed  on  the  great  principles  of  Christian  morality,  and  looUrog  direct- 
ly  to  the  moral  improvement  of  tho  people,  cd'n. ever  make  them  lovers  of  virtue 
or  votaries  of  freedom.  Another  reasom  m.iy  ba  fqimyiJ^JJ  the  wants  of  those 
peculiar  political  institutions,  which  leaniing  alone  can  never  wrest  fiom  tv- 
ranny,  and  without  which  a  literary  nation  may  grope  on  forever  in  all  tho 
darkness  of  political  bondage.  Fortunately  for  us,  however,  our  form  of  gov. 
ernmcnt  is  admirably  adapted  to  inspire  all  those  virtuous  and  elevated  eenli* 
njcnts    and    tc'.'hngs  that   dignify  and  adorn  humanify,  and  therefore  it  it  our 


IS 

boundca  duly  tn  (like  care  that  asit  owes  its  existence  to  the  spiiit  of  liberty, 
its  i.ifluonce  bhall  always  be  exerted  to  prt.rferve  that  spirit.  But  tliis  can  never 
be  done  without  general  iiiteiligencc,  and  popuhir  cducatio.i.  Ktiowjedge, 
like  every  other  kind  of  power,  is  daDgerous  to  liberty,  when  possessed  only  by 
it  few,  ajd  of  all  monopolies,  this  id  perhaps  the  most  abhorrent  to  the  genius  of 
democracy.  Confine  it  to  a  few,  and  it  becomes  the  engine  of  de«potism.  thy 
parent  of  superstition,  and  the  handmaid  of  oppression.  Of  ihia  important 
truth,  abundant  evidence  might  easily  be  cited  from  the  history  of  every  coun- 
t.'-y,  ia  which  learning  has  boon  restricted  to  a  particular  class,  and  kept,  aa  u 
sealed  bock,  beyond  the  pryirifj  curiosity,  and  audacious  aspirations,  of  the 
people.  But,  as  knowledge  tfives  unlimited  powei.when  confined  to  a  few, 
so  it  scatters  the  b!essin<!;s  of  freedom,  when  difiused  amongst  the  many.  Lib- 
erty and  letters  are  the  mutual  guardians  of  each  other.  As  there  can  be  no  lib- 
erly  without  public  virtue,  find  no  public  virtue  without  pOf^uiare.'iightenment, 
so  general  education  may  justly  be  termed  the  life  blood  of  a  republic.  No 
matter  what  may  be  the  physical  advantages  of  a  nation,  they  cannot  confer 
moral  elevation,  which  can  only  be  produced  by  moral  causes.  Do  the  Gla- 
ciers impart  magjanimity  to  the  mercenary  inhabitants  of  Switzerland?  Do 
the  degra  led  descoidaiUs  of  Milliades  a:id  Pausanias  ki.idle  at  the  recollection 
of  Marat  hnn  and  Ph  (a:a  ?  Or  does  the  dejected  Tiber  roll  his  stream,  amongst 
the  degenerate  Italians  of  the"  present  day,  with  the  stmio  conscious  pride,  as 
when  Rome  was  the  city  of  the  Scipios,  or  the  mistress  of  the  world?  But,  to 
say  nothing  of  Greece  and  Rome,  which  exhibit  the  same  natural  features 
now, in  the  depth  of  their  political  degradation,  by  which  they  weie  charac- 
terized in  the  height  of  their  renown,  no  one  can  turn  to  South  America,  witii- 
out  being  satisfied  of  the  truth  of  this  important  doctriac.  Wiiare  can  we  find 
a  region,  of  whicl*'it  may  so  truly  be  alleged,  that  '"Every  prospect  pleases,  and 
only  man  is  vile?"'  Look  at  your  own  country,  witii  its  fraternal  union,  its 
free  and  happy  institutions,  its  prodigious  increase  in  all  the  elcmonts  of  na- 
tional prosperity,  and  the  gigantic  rapidity  with  which  it  diffuses  far  and  widu 
the  peaceful  conquests  of  reason  and  religion — and  compare  it  with  the  gnnd- 
ifig  despotism,  the  incessant  intestine  commotions,  the  wretched  anarchy  and 
misrule,  of  the  South  Americans,  poor  amidst  mines  o\'  wealth,  ignorant  in  an 
age  of  light,  debased  and  servile  amidst  the  most  gorgeous  magnificence  of 
nature — and  who  can  doubt,  that,  astho  degraded  condition  of  the  latter  arises 
entirely  from  the  want  of  mental  and  particularly  of  mokal  culture,  so  the  im- 
mense superiority  of  the  former,  in  every  thing  that  enters  into  the  composition 
of  national  happiness  and  grandeur,  ia  entirely  attributable  to  the  genius  and 
virtue  of  our  ancestors,  who  stamped  their  spirit  and  principles  on  the  original 
iiistitutionsof  our  country,  which,  in  their  turn,  have  exerted  the  happiest  mflM- 
cncesupon  the  people,  training  and  directing  them  in  the  way  they  should  go, 
and  have  thus  maintained,  in  all  their  pristine  vigor,  the  purs  and  {levated 
principles  in  which  they  had  their  origin.  Such  is  the  inestimable  value  of 
?,icnfa/,  aided  bv  the  power  of  7jiora2,  cultivation  :  and,  as  it  must  excite  your 
thirst  for  kuowlf^d^r,  to  think '.>f  the  iinmeisurabio  dsff-i-c.-cc  b^t-vvccn  a  well 


19 

educated  mm,  armed  '.vitji  all  the  powers  and  r.^snurces  of  extensi'.'o  learaing, 
iuid  tlie  poor  ignorant  Indian  who  "sees  God  in  cloads,  or  hears  him  in  the 
wind,"  solet  your  ardour  bo  excited,  in  the  great  causa  ot  popular  onlighten- 
inent,  by  reflecting  that  it  is  emphatically  the  source  to  which  we  sue  indebted 
ior  the  moral  grandeur  of  our  country,  and  to  which  alone  we  can  look  for  itii 
continuance.  Ominous,  indeed,  will  be  the  day,  when  it  shall  be  neglected  or 
abandoned — for,  in  that  event,  there  would  be  nothing  to  prevent  public  virtuo 
from  being  swallowed  up  ia  corruption,  or  the  scene  of  the  Lnpercal  tVom  be- 
ing  repeated  in  the  Capitol,  or  the  establishment  of  an  Empire,  perhaps  upon 
the  actual  overthrow  oftlie  Constitution,  or,  at  all  events,  with  the  mere  nom- 
inal retention  of  useless  forms,  from  which  the  spiiitof  freedom  'vill  have  flo<J 
fo  rover. 

Thus  have  I  skefchsd  tho  course  \rh!ch  appear?  most  conducive  to  your 
temporal  welfare.  I  have  pointed  out  the  pleasures  and  advantages  of  knos\l- 
edg(^  ami  the  iisdi^^pensable  necessity,  to  its  attainmerit,  of  regular  and  systcs- 
matic  applicatiivn.  1  have  adverted  to  some  of  those  errors  that  are  most  per- 
nicious to  litcrarv  gi-owth,  and  endeavored  to  excite  that  geneixnis  emulation 
which  is  thegreat  wellspring  of  virtuous  sentiment  and  elevated  conduct.  I 
havn  shown  you  th'it  industry,  at  all  times  necessary  to  distinction,  is  |>eculiar- 
lyso  in  reference  to  the  prcvatliag  illumination  of  the  present  age.  I  have  aU 
fio  exhibited  the  importance  of  mora/,  as  well  as  mental  cultivation,  to  individu? 
nl  excellence  and  national  prosp^^rity,  and  have  enforced  the  claims  of  your 
country  to  your  allegiance  and  fidelity.  In  short,  I  have  attempted  to  deliae- 
ate  the  most  essential  duties  and  (ihligations,  private  and  public,  that  will  de- 
volve upon  you,  ?i.'^d  of  which  a  faithtul  observance  can  scarcly  fail  to  render 
you  beloved  "in  th:^  tnild  majesty  of  private  life,"  or  fnnlnently  distinguished,  as 
members  of  society,  iisaiy  depirtraynt  in  which  eloqnence  and  learning  are 
required.' 

But  what  is  all  this  jc.7,irtii(t  it^Zig-Zo/T?  Of  wijfit  avail  will  it  be,  that  you 
make  the  voyage  of  life  with  fivouri  )g  curri^nts  and  propitious  gales,  if  it  only 
bring  you  at  last  to  an  undone  eternity  ?  Of  whit  avail  will  ba  ail  the  honors 
and  eiijoynjents  of  this  trtuisitory  sce;;e,  if  thi-y  are  destined  to  terminate  h\ 
that  unending  misery,  which  n-)  eloquanc,'  can  soothe,  no  laarni  ig  alleviate, 
no  applause  divert!  What  then!  Are  you  fund  of  roaming  in  the  fair  fields 
of  literaiuie,  and  can  ycju  isot  beporsuaded  to  cultivate  the  sacred,  as  well  as 
Iheprotane!  is  there  hw  fi.twerv  height  but  Helicon,  no  go!  Jen  stream  but 
Meruuis!  Is  thyre  no  virtu?,  but  i;i  ib-j  dreanr?  of  Piato — .10  immortality,  but 
in  the  hopes  of  Socrates — nu  lla.iven,  but  Elyyjum  !  Hive  you  no  desire  to 
explore  the  cxq'.iisite  bjiiuuea  ofL-'banoi  or  Carme!,  or  to  driiik  of  th-.?  pury 
water  of -Silvas' brook,  that  fiov/s  last  by  the  oracles  ofGodl!"  Is  lh':re 
nothing  i.i  the  Bible  that  can  enlarge  yuu.-  understandings,  elevate  your  imag. 
{nations,  or  refine  your  tastes  !  His  it  i;o  sublimity  of  coiceptio:;,  no  ricii- 
ness  of  imag'.TV.  no  power  of  discriptio.i !  Has  it  nothing  useful  in  eihics,  or 
valu:-bis  in  pliiiosophy — .'iothi;jg  instructive  as  a  history,  or  i:jteri^^sting  as  fi 
system  of  r:!igfnn— ::'>thJ:?g  tl.vjteJ  in  ;:s  p}o-ry.  n  :\fr:z>.r:^  in  its  incidents 


so 

orimpoitant  in  its  moral  !  Have  you  determined  tu  know  no  God,  except  he 
be  found  in  the  ancioni  mytholog)' — no  religion,  unless  it  has  been  poveii  fab- 
ulot's — no  morality,  unless  it  be  notoriously  defective  as  to  the  true  springs  of 
virtue,  and  the  true  principles  of  duty  !  Are  you  only  solicitoua  for  the  ea* 
tfi*na  of  men,  and  utterly  regardless  of  the  opinion  of  your  Maker — anxious  to 
obtoio  earthly  fame  and  wisdom,  but  caring  nothing  for  '"that  honor  which 
cometh  from  on  high,"  or  for  that  knowledge  which  alone  can  "make  you  wise 
uuto  salvation  !**  Can  this  be  so,  my  friends  ?  Was  it  for  this,  llmt  you  were 
educated  here,  and  that  you  intend  to  prosecute  th«  improvements  of  your  minds! 
Is  it,  indeed,  the  only  objects  ofyour  future  lives,  so  to  acquire  every  thing 
useful  and  beautiful,  except  religion,  that  you  may  be  decorated,  like  victim.-» 
for  the  sacritice,  and  sink  forever,  like  a  richly  freighted  barque,  to  the  fathoTi. 
lesa  abyss  of  eternal  woe  !  Bear  with  me  for  a  moment !  Are  you  revelling 
iu  youthful  vigor,  and  know  you  not  that  Ihe  domain  of  death  is  peopled  with 
the  young  !  D»  you  anticipate  a  long  career  of  activity  and  usefulness,  and 
know  you  not  that  there  is  nothing  more  uncertain  than  the  frail  tenure  of  hu- 
man eiistence !  Are  you  proud  of  your  talesits,  glowing  with  the  ardour  of 
ambition,  and  longing  lor  distinction  in  the  race  of  life,  and  know  you  not  that 
the  most  buoyant  heart  may  soon  be  chilled  by  the  icy  touch  of  the  destroyer, 
and  the  most  eloquent  tongue  be  hushed  forever  in  the  silent  tomb!  Whilst  it 
is  certainly  proper,  therefore,  in  relation  to  your  temporal  interests,  that  your 
mental  powers  should  bo  cultivated  to  the  higheat  possible  extent,  suffer  me  al- 
so to  recommend  an  immodiate  and  earnest  attention  to  the  momentous  subject 
of  religion.  Be  assured,  that,  however  bright  your  characters  may  be,  they 
will  fltil!  bo  defective  without  that  precious  gen»,  and  that  ea  the  title  of  Chris. 
tian  is  tha  very  highest  style  of  mao,  so  personal  piety  is  the  only  Bourc©  of 
true  happiness  here,  and  of  everlasfing  felicity  in  the  world  to  come.  Procras- 
tination, unwise  and  hazardous  as  to  any  matter  of  importance,  is  peculiarly 
dangerous  in  reference  to  the  unspeakable  value  of  tlie  undying  soul,  and  the 
consequent  necessity  ofensuring  salvation,  whilst  it  may  yet  be  in  your  power 
to  effect  if.  The  Gospel  makes  no  provision  for  delay.  All  its  pronjises  are 
restricted  to  an  instant  compliance  with  its  offers.  •♦Now,"  and  now  only, 
"is  the  accepted  time;"  and,  as  the  present  is  the  only  period  that  you  can  call 
your  own,  it  may  bs  also  the  only  opportunity  that  will  ever  be  afforded  you  of 
obtainiag  an  interest  la  the  Great  Aiojiement. 

"Begin,  be  bold,  aad  venture  to  be  wise, 
He  who  defers  thU  r^wk  from  day  to  day, 
jy>CB  on  a  rivers'  bank,  expectjng  stay. 
Tilt  the  whole  stream  that  Btoppad  hjrn,  shall  begone, 
Whi-zh  runs,  aud,  as  it  runs,  Ibrover  challrun  on." 
And,  in  cop.nection  with  this  subject,  and  as  only  inferior  in  interest  to  tha   vital 
topic  of  personal  religion,  permit  metu  commend  to  your  most  cordial  support, 
that,  noble  system  of  moral  machinery  which   has  bsen  so   happily  organised 
by  the  friends  of  the  Rodermor  wiih  a  view  to  the  moral   improvement  and   a- 
melioration  of  mankind.     Without  alluding  to  other  branches   of  this  system, 
there  ure  two  which  I  fjcl  co:'!Str  ;i;-.cd  to  jif^ss  upo:)  y^-ur  nolicc.     The  Tein- 


21 

porauco  Reformation  13  cmphatlcalty  the  cause  of  American  patriotism  and 
Christian  morals.  It  is  not  intended  merely  to  arrest  the  progress  of  a  hide- 
ous vice,  which  strikes  at  the  root  of  rcguhited  freedom,  and  even  undermines 
the  sacred  institutions  of  the  Gospel,  but  it  is  a  great  scheme  of  Christian  mo. 
ralily,  eminently  calculated  to  kad  men  from  vice  to  virtue,  and  from  virtue  to 
religion.  Nor  is  the  dissemination  of  the  Bir>le,  both  at  home  and  abroad, 
less  entitled  loyour  affection  and  esteem.  As  it  is  to  the  elevating  influence 
of  Christianity  thai  our  own  country  is  indebtded  for  all  those  elements  of  moral 
grandeur  which  have  made  her  pre-eminently  "a  city  on  a  hill,"  and  a  light 
amongst  the  nations,  so  it  is  from  the  want  of  those  influences  that  a  very 
large  portion  of  the  human  family,  still  lies  Duried  in  all  the  darkness  and  deg- 
redation  of  pagan  idolatry  and  Mohammedan  superstition.  He,  who  knows 
nothing  of  the  actual  condition  of  the  Heathen,  should  be  ashamed  of  his  igno- 
rance upon  a  subject  which  more  than  any  other  engages  the  attention  of  the 
Christian  world  ;  and  he,  who  comprehending  their  character  and  condition, 
refuses  to  co-operate  in  diffusing  amcngst  them  the  enlightening  and  purifying 
spirit  of  the  Gospel,  is  unworthy  of  the  high  privileges  it  has  conferred  upon 
himself,  and  uogratefid  to  that  Being  who  giaciously  kindled  its  light,  and  dif- 
fused its  warmth,  in  our  own  chosen  and  distinguished  land. 

And  now.  Gentlemen,  having  discharged  the  office  you  assigned  me,  I  has- 
ten  to  bring  these  observations  to  a  close.  You  are  now  preparing  to  put  off" 
youth,  and  to  assunte  the  dignity  and  responsibility  of  manhood.  In  a  few 
hours  more  you  will  have  left  ihese  pleasing  solitudes  and  green  retreats,  to 
enter  upon  the  cares  and  occupations  of  actual  life.  It  was  but  natural  there- 
fore— nay  it  was  higly  proper  and  commendable — that,  for  occasions  like  tho 
present,  the  ceremony  should  have  been  instituted  of  an  annua!  address.  You 
are  about  to  leave  those  excell«nt  men,  from  whom  you  imbibed  the  lessons  of 
instruction,  and  to  try  your  unfledged  wings,  in  the  wide  expanse  of  an  untried 
world.  You  are  also  about  toseperate,  and  perhaps  forever,  from  those  youth- 
ful companions  with  whom  you  have  long  njoyed  the  sweet  commaniou  of 
friendship,  and  generously  contended  in  the  race  of  knowledge.  It  is  but  nat- 
ural therefore,  that  you  should  desire  to  commingle,  for  the  last  time,  that 
you  may  pour  out  your  feelings  with  each  others  bosoms — that  you  may  bid 
a  respectful  adieu  to  your  kind  instructors — that,  you  may  meditate  upon  the 
change  you  are  to  undergo,  and  the  course  of  conduct,  it  will  become  you  ta 
pursue — so  that  when  you  leave  this  sacred  seat,  you  may  go,  not  with  fancies 
filled  with  visions,  nor  with  hearts  elated  with  delusive  hopes,  but  with  minds 
soberly  impressed  with  practical  truths,  that  thus  you  may  be  armed  for  the 
conflicts  that  await  you.  and  be  prepared  to  endure  toil,  to  resist  temptation* 
and  to  discharge  every  duty  that  may  devolve  upon  you,  with  honor  to  your- 
selves, and  advantage  to  society.  In  view  of  this  important  change,  I  trust, 
that  it  is  needless  to  say  that  you  carry  with  you  my  most  cordial  wishes  for 
your  welfare  and  prosperity.  The  youth  of  our  country  is  her  best,  I  had  aU 
most  said  her  only  hope.  The  present  generation  is  fast  passing  away,  and 
you  and  your  contemporaries  must  soon  occupy  its  place.  Rct«ember  it  is  to  youj 


nnd  such  as  you,  the  patriot  looks  to  sustain  the  rights  and  interests,  the  char, 
acter  and  iiisiitulious,  of  our  belovtd  couiiiry.  It  is  to  you,  and  such  as  you, 
that  the  philai.tliropist  looks  to  support  the  cuusii  of  enlarged  benevolence,  and 
the  Christian,  not  only  tho  sacred  temples  ot  re'igion,  but  the  reforming  iuflu- 
euce  of  every  scheinc  that  conduces  to  the  moral  elovatioa  of  the  human  race. 
And  you  will  not  disappoiiit  thoir  expectations.  You  will  not  dishonor  the  ed- 
ucation you  have  here  received,  by  becoming  recreant  to  knwiedge  er  to  virtue. 
You  will  not  exchange  the  hope  of  usefulness  for  the  paths  of  vice,  norlhe  an- 
imating prospect  of  virtuous  distinction  for  the  poor  and  pitiful  drugs  of  idle- 
ness and  dissipation.  D.-mgers  and  diiBcuItias,  i  t  is  true,  may  beset  you  in  vowr 
journey,  but  there  is  no  danger  that  may  not  be  averted  by  prudence,  no  temp- 
tation that  may  not  b.^  resisted  by  piety,  no  difficnUy  that  may  not  be  surmou:;- 
ted  by  assiduity  and  discipline.  Ljt  iheye,  tlie.i,  be  your  ruling  principles 
through  life.  Remember  that  ilLibjr  haa  ito  trials,  it  has  also  its  rewards 
and  that  as  an  ancient  philos  ipher  says,  ''whit  is  gained  with  iai)or  is  al- 
ways retained  the  Io;igc'st,  every  hard  gained  acquisition  of  science 
being,  as  it  were,  a  kind  of  annealing  on  the  mind.  "  Preserve,  at 
nil  times,  and  under  ail  circumstaiices,  a  sacred  regard  tor  truth. 
Without  a  high  character  for  veracity,  talents  and  accotnplishinents  will  avail 
but  little.  Be  assured,  that,  as  no  Deity  is  absent  from  the  prudent  man,  so^ 
where  truth  is  wan'.iug,iio  other  virtue  can  be  found.  It  is  the  great  founda- 
tion of  every  moral  quality  ;  nor  can  any  one  expect  public  confidence  or  trust, 
of  whom  it  cannot  be  said  that  ho  is  incapable  of  falsehood,  and  thatliis  inte- 
grity can  neither  b^i  alTected  by  the  iiifiuence  of  interest,  the  wiles  of  corrup- 
tion,  or  the  hope  of  power.  Cultivate,  as  "  the  immediate  jewel  of  your  souls," 
that  principle  of  honor,  which  has  been  justly  termed  *•  the  noble  mind's  dis- 
tinguishing perfection."  Disdain  to  do  any  thing  mean  or  little.  Abhor  even 
the  conception  of  an  act  <  f  baseness,  and  cherish  thai  Siinsibility  of  virtue, 
that  nice  chastity  of  sentiment,  which  will  teach  you  to  avoid  dishonor  as  ;i 
moral  plague,  and  to  feel  even  the  siigiitest  stain  as  an  intolerable  wound. 
Cherish  an  arde:.t  love  of  liberty,  always  remembering  that  whilst  its  vestal 
flame  burns  purely  and  brightly  in  the  hearts  of  fneraerj,  every  thinj;  is  safe — > 
but  thai  *•  if  lib;irty  be  lost,  then  every  thing  is  lost."  And  permit  me  to  guard 
you,  particularly,  against  the  per,  jcioas  influence  of  infidel  dogtrint'S  and  o- 
pinions.  R.^ject  that  vih-  philosophy,  (equally  insulting  to  reason  and  Revela- 
tion) which  would  t  ach  you  that  there  is  no  wisdom  in  creation,  i;o  Cod  in 
iiature,  no  soul  in  man,  no  truth  in  salvation,  tio  hope  of  existence  in  a  future 
world  ;  and  be  assured,  that  of  all  enemies  of  the  human  race,  he  is  most  ac- 
cursed of  (Jod,  who,  by  denying  His  word  and  rejecting  ijis  authority,  lakes 
away  all  rgstraint  froin  vice,  and  all  hope  I'roni  virtue,  degrades  man  to  u  level 
with  the  brutes,  and  leaves  no  principles  of  conduct  but  human  laws  and  doc- 
trines, and  no  hope,  after  the  termination  of  this  chequered  life,  but  the  mcdan- 
choly  prospect  oi  the  shroud,  the  mattock,  and  the  grave.  And  now,  Farewell, 
[fappy  would  I  be,  cou!  i  I  think  I  had  succeeded  in  kindling  one  gci-eroui;  im- 
pu'.s'!,  or  laudable  emoiio),  in  your  bjsorns.     ilappy,  indeed,  couH   I   think   ji 


23 

liaci  said  nny  thing  to  conlirm  you  in  the  !ovoof  knowledge,  or  to  inspire  you 
M-ilh  the  love  of  virtue — to  excite  the?  glow  of  elevated  sentiment,  or  start  tbo 
tear  of  generous  etmiiatioii — to  revive  the  ardor  of  the  diftideut,  or  direct  thi> 
energies  of  the  bold — or  to  cause  you  so  to  •'  look  through  nature,  up  to  Nature's 
God''  as  to  determine  you  to  dedicate  to  the  service  of  your  JMaker  the  talents 
and  treasures!  you  have  received  from  Ilim'  Go  then.  Gentlemen,  into  the 
vatt  arena  of  the  w^rld.  The  evil  and  the  good,  the  bane  ar.d  the  antidote,  are 
both  betbre  you.  If  the  sea  that  no\\  looks  so  calmly,  should  be  tossed  by 
tempests,  your  voyage  may  still  be  successful,  with  prudence  to  direct,  and  vir- 
tue at  the  holm.  If  your  prospects,  now  so  brilliant  and  cheering,  should  be- 
come dark  and  overcast,  there  are  no  clouds  which  the  Sun  ot  Righteousness 
cannot  dissipate,  nc  gloom  that  may  t^-ot  be  brightened  by  unswerving  rectitude. 
Go  then,  Gentlemen — and  may  each  of  you  fulfil  the  expectatior.s  of  his  war- 
mest  friends!  In  each  "b;-igbl  youth,'  may  we  indeed  realize  the  promise  of 
a  "  shining  man  !"     May  you  learn,  and  practice, 

"What  noblest  minds  approve, 

The  thoughts  they  cherish,  and  the  arts  they  love. 

Let  <A«V  examples  your  young  bopoms  fire, 

And  bid  your  souls  to  boundless  height  aspire." 
May  you  imitate  the  conduct  of  the  wise  and  good — placing  b°forc  you  a  stan- 
<-'ard  of  perfection,  and  resolving  to  attain  it.  And  may  each,  and  all  of  you,  bo 
8o  guided  and  governed,  in  the  acquisition  of  knowle  Ige,  the  practice  of  virtue, 
and  the  cultivation  of  religion,  that  when  you  shall  have  finished  a  career  of 
eminence  and  usefulness  ou  earth,  you  may  finally  be  admitted  to  dwell 
Ibrcver, 

"  in  thoee  bright  realms 
V/here  Seraphs  gather  immortality 
From  life's  fair  tree/' 


